Zan Cody - Beautiful 'n Damned (2026)

Best tracks: Bad Bad Man / Beautiful 'N Damned

A very languid, tired vocal (even Ozzy never got this tired) and a very inspired guitar, especially in the solos. That's what the leaders of Shotgun Messiah are like these days. But by "She Walks with Violence," we realize Zan can be charismatic. It suits him much better. And we're also pleased by some stylistic experiments, where there's at least some departure from the generally accepted Frontiers Records line, as in the title track. The bluesy "Bad Bad Man" needs that charisma instead of effects, but it's missing here. Overall, the duo has a future if they mix styles more and resort less to traditional Frontiers fare.